An [[2013 state legislative elections analyzed using a Competitiveness Index|overview of the degree of competitiveness]] of the 2013 state legislative elections was conducted that examined [[A "Competitiveness Index" for capturing competitiveness in state legislative elections|three competitiveness factors]]:

An [[2013 state legislative elections analyzed using a Competitiveness Index|overview of the degree of competitiveness]] of the 2013 state legislative elections was conducted that examined [[A "Competitiveness Index" for capturing competitiveness in state legislative elections|three competitiveness factors]]:

* [[Incumbents with a primary challenger in the 2013 state legislative elections]]

* [[Incumbents with a primary challenger in the 2013 state legislative elections]]

Louisiana and Mississippi also typically hold elections in odd years. However, legislators are elected to 4-year terms in those states and those will not be up for election again until 2015.

40 of the country's 1,972 state senate seats are up for re-election in November 2013, and 180 of the country's 5,411 state house seats are up for re-election. Altogether, 220 of the country's 7,383 state legislative seats are up for re-election on November 5, 2013.

New Jersey

New Jersey's state senators are elected to a four-year term that begins at noon of the second Tuesday in January.

As of May 13, 2013, Democratic candidates for the state Legislature had raised $15.5 million and spent $11.4 million, while Republicans had raised $7 million and spent $6.2 million. In the 2011 election cycle, Democrats raised $11.4 million and Republicans raised $6.2 million in the same amount of time.[1]

The state legislative races in New Jersey have also attracted attention from outside groups, including the Washington, D.C., super PAC the Fund for Jobs, Growth and Security. This super PAC with Democratic affiliations and was founded to prevent GovernorChris Christie (R) from governing with Republican majorities and allowing him to advance a conservative agenda in the state.[2]

Virginia

Virginia's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the second Wednesday in January after the election.

Special elections

Across the nation, special elections are frequently conducted to fill vacancies in state legislatures. 27 states use special elections to fill legislative vacancies. In two states, Illinois and Indiana, special elections are used in limited circumstances. 84 special elections (not including runoffs) were scheduled in 23 states. Since these elections are intended to fill unexpected vacancies, more will be scheduled as new vacancies arise.

Recalls

As of March 2013, six recall efforts to oust state legislators have been attempted. Two recall campaigns, both from Colorado, obtained enough signatures prior to their deadlines to initiate an election. Recall elections for Senators Angela Giron and John Morse were held on September 10, 2013. Both legislators were targeted for recall after passing gun control legislation through means that circumvented any possible voter referendum.[3][4][5]